Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Lamost's lips curled into a slight smile. He could not control the throbbing excitement in his chest.
Riding his fine horse and humming a little tune, he wore an expression of absolute confidence, as if victory was already in his grasp.
"My lord, you seem to be in an exceptionally good mood!"
The attendant flattered him with a servile tone.
"Of course, Aman!"
Lamost laughed heartily, swinging the horsewhip in his hand.
"I am about to integrate the noble royal bloodline into the Bradley family. What a monumental event this is!"
A look of longing appeared on his face.
"As long as I marry Princess Catherine, my chances of becoming the heir to the Bradley family will skyrocket. No! That position will definitely be mine. If I bear a child with royal blood, what qualification will my so-called older brother have to compare with me?"
With his trusted followers surrounding him, Lamost no longer held back his ambitions.
The attendant merely smiled, knowing full well his lord's ambitions.
Lamost was not content with staying beneath his older brother; he intended to seize the highest power of the family.
But, unfortunately, as the second son, the power he commanded was nowhere near as much as his ten-year-older brother.
His father, Duke Bradley, had always longed for a royal marriage. Having an heir with royal blood would certainly enhance the legitimacy of the Bradley family's claim to rule their own territory. Though in normal times, this would be seen as rebellion, any ambitious person could see that now was an abnormal era.
Sadly, this wish had never been realized.
An heir without royal blood did not stop Duke Bradley's growing ambitions, and he was still determined to use the orcs to aid his rebellion.
What surprised him was that Princess Catherine had personally led her troops to the Yellow Earth Region.
What an opportunity! Could this be the Light Lord rewarding him for his many years of devotion and finally granting his wish?
TLN: It's funny how people would commit all sorts of evil and still think God is on their side. Well it's true in real life as well...
When his father captured Catherine and handed her over to Lamost, the second son was beside himself with joy.
His father had promised that if the mission succeeded, the princess would be betrothed to him.
Would his childhood dreams finally come true?
Lamost was glad he had maintained discipline in his life. He knew that this immense fortune had fallen to him because his older brother had ruined his body with indulgence in his youth.
Unfortunately, his brother already had an heir, and his physical condition would not prevent him from inheriting his father's position.
So, Lamost had worked even harder to elevate his status in his father's eyes.
Of course, his father had more sons than just them, including a younger brother who was still a child.
With all these conflicting thoughts in mind, Lamost led his caravan back to the small town of Marwin.
The heavy wagons rolled into the town, with the supplies inside being genuine.
After all, this was the border region, and Lamost's plan was to have Princess Catherine's forces advance deeper into the Yellow Earth Region before striking.
At the entrance of the town, he spotted a figure.
A knight—specifically, a striking female knight.
She had long, flowing black hair fluttering in the wind, radiating a wild beauty. Her fair face was framed by deep, sea-like black eyes, which conveyed determination and resolve.
Lamost recognized her immediately: Lady Ophina, Princess Catherine's close friend and assistant.
"Thank you for your hard work!"
The magnetic tone of the female knight's voice caused Lamost to fantasize.
Once he had her in his grasp, how would he deal with her?
Perhaps he should reward some important subordinate to win their loyalty?
A noblewoman from the capital could be a tremendous asset to the "rural" outsiders.
Oh no, no!
Lamost gazed at Ophina's graceful form and changed his mind.
She was a woman who combined beauty and elegance—how could he give her to those rough men?
Maybe he should take her as a concubine? Catherine wouldn't mind; after all, they were friends.
Lamost continued to wear a respectful face as he gently pointed with his horsewhip to the approaching wagons.
"This is the supply for Her Highness, the Princess. Please, verify them."
Ophina smiled and, ignoring Lamost's scrutinizing gaze, gestured for him to continue.
"There's no rush to verify; the Princess has already set up a banquet, and everyone would like to join you for lunch."
"Your Highness is too kind. It's my great honor," Lamost feigned extreme gratitude.
"Please, follow me."
Ophina smiled and gently squeezed her horse's belly, causing it to move forward. Lamost and his attendants followed behind.
The streets of the town were very quiet, and Ophina explained, "Since the Princess is here, we asked the commoners to give us some space."
"The rules of the nobles of the capital are truly numerous!" Lamost thought privately. "Perhaps when I become king, I too should maintain such an air of authority! There should be a clear distance between the highborn and the common folk."
Gradually, the group reached the center of the town, where the church and town hall stood—important public buildings.
Suddenly, the sound of hooves echoed rapidly.
Then, from every alleyway, dozens of armored figures, armed with weapons, rushed forward.
This is bad!
Seeing this formation, Lamost's mind went blank, frozen in place.
Ophina, taking advantage of Lamost's brief lapse and the confusion of his men, spurred her horse and quickly distanced herself from them.
"What is this? Princess! Princess!"
Lamost finally snapped back to reality and began shouting.
Clang!
Bradley family attendants drew their weapons, trapping Lamost in the middle.
"Catherine! Catherine!" Lamost shouted her name.
"Hmph! Lamost, do you still have the audacity to shout here?"
The grand princess of the Aldor Kingdom appeared, her face cold, surrounded by her generals.
She seemed too disinterested to speak, leaving her subordinates to do the talking.
Though Lamost had already guessed most of the reasons, he still held his ground.
"What is going on? Your Highness, I need an explanation!"
Catherine's golden brows furrowed tightly, and finally, she spoke:
"Did you think your plans were flawless? Who would have thought that the noble Bradley family would become a shameful traitor and even collude with the orcs?"
She spoke the last part through gritted teeth, showing the intense hatred in her heart.
(End of the Chapter)
---
Read (FF) on Pa.treon@CinderTL - c833. [+1]
Early Access at $5.
Translated (5) Series, (2.2K+) Chapters, (2.9M+) Words.